Latex Tail Help

[renayh]

I was originally going to use silicone to make my tail but since I am in australia and I am quite tall the silicone is going to be around 1000 dollars alone. I have decided to use latex instead. I have read many threads but I still have a few questions
• Do I have to back the latex with neoprene?, If I do how do I adhere the latex scale sheets to the neoprene?
• I will be mixing pearl ex pigments with latex to paint, will I need to seal the paint?
• I have read that power mesh is good to strengthen latex, how do I put the power mesh into the latex?
• What is the name of the latex I need to get and where can I get it?
Any tips would be great
Thanks :)

[Triton-Mahtlinnie]

No, you do not have to back the latex with neoprene. However, not backing it will mean making thicker scale sheets and using more latex.

If you are mixing pearl ex powders with latex, you don't need to seal the paint in any way, since the color will be inside the latex.

Power mesh is great for strengthening latex. It adds a lot to its durability, and helps prevent tearing. To add it in, pour a layer of scales to pick up the detail of the mold. Once that layer dries, add another layer of latex and lay the mesh over it. the latex will soak through the mesh, sealing it in. Then, you can add another layer of latex overtop of that to make a smooth inner surface . In general, you want to cast layers of latex fairly thin. Latex cures, or hardens, as the water in it evaporates. So, thinner layers means a quicker overall drying time.

There are a few different kinds of latex. Burman Industries and Monster Makers both make latex popular for making tails. I looked around for a bit for Australian suppliers but most seem to carry only foam latex or brush-on. (which may work if you want to test it, but it's generally thicker and therefor more difficult to pour evenly into a mold) EDIT: I did find an Australian company that carries a product that looks like it would work: http://aldaxstore.com.au/p/366591/kwik-mold-latex-no70-5-litres.html (it may be worth picking up a small amount to test)

[renayh]

Thankyou so much !! that helped a lot I will check that website out

[renayh]

2 more questions
if I am airbrushing the pigmented latex will i need to thin it with something?
Is there an alternative release agent to vaseline because I've heard it stops the latex from curing.

[Ilyena]

Latex is water based so it thins with water and can be coloured with acrylic paints. I never used any release agent, as long as the molds are sealed properly then the latex will not stick.

AMC Supplies in Adelaide have brush and pour latex, look into molding and casting places near you or as theatre companies prehaps. Good luck

[Triton-Mahtlinnie]

You will probably need to thin the mixture to send it through an airbrush. It looks like many people thin latex paint with water for airbrushing, then strain the paint before putting it in the airbrush tank.
I recommend looking around at tutorials for painting latex masks, as they are usually airbrushed and made out of the same latex as tails.

Vaseline will actually melt latex (and most rubbers) which, of course, is not good. Something like Ease Release might be better. If you're using Plastalina (or another non-drying clay) for your sculpt and making the molds from plaster, you may not need a release at all. Plaster heats as it cures, and clay will peel quite cleanly out. Latex will not stick to plaster molds (or anything but itself, really) and will come out of molds fairly easily.

[renayh]

Thanks for all the help :)